Heretic Release Date, Cast, Storyline, Trailer Release, And Everything You Need to Know
Prepare yourself for a descent into psychological terror with A24’s upcoming film “Heretic.” This highly anticipated horror thriller marks a dramatic departure for beloved actor Hugh Grant, who trades in his charming rom-com persona for a role that promises to chill audiences to the bone. Directed by the creative team behind “A Quiet Place,” “Heretic” looks set to deliver edge-of-your-seat suspense when it hits theaters later this year.
At its core, “Heretic” explores themes of faith, manipulation, and survival as two young Mormon missionaries find themselves trapped in a deadly game orchestrated by Grant’s sinister character. With its claustrophobic setting and mind-bending twists, the film seems poised to join the ranks of A24’s critically acclaimed horror offerings. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for what could be one of the most unsettling and thought-provoking thrillers of 2024.
Heretic Release Date:
Mark your calendars – “Heretic” is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on November 15, 2024. This fall premiere date positions the film perfectly for the Halloween season when audiences are primed for intense, psychological scares. The November release also allows “Heretic” to avoid direct competition with big summer blockbusters while still hitting screens in time for awards season consideration.
For UK audiences, the wait will be slightly longer, with “Heretic” set to debut in theaters on November 22, 2024. This staggered international rollout is standard for independent productions, allowing the film to build buzz as it expands to new markets. Regardless of location, horror fans and cinephiles alike have just a few more months to prepare themselves for what promises to be a uniquely unsettling cinematic experience.
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Heretic Storyline:
“Heretic” follows two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Paxton and Sister Barnes, as they spread their faith door-to-door. After facing repeated rejections, they finally encounter a man who welcomes them into his home – the seemingly mild-mannered Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant. However, their relief quickly turns to terror as they realize they’ve entered a deadly trap.
Once inside, Mr. Reed reveals his true, sinister nature. He presents the missionaries with a chilling choice between two doors – one labeled “Belief” and the other “Disbelief.” What follows is a twisted game of cat and mouse, as the women must navigate a labyrinth of tunnels, traps, and psychological torments designed to test the very foundations of their faith.
The house becomes a character in the film, with its maze-like structure reminiscent of the infamous “Murder Castle” built by 19th-century serial killer H.H. Holmes. As Sister Paxton and Sister Barnes struggle to escape, they’re forced to confront difficult questions about the nature of belief, free will, and the existence of true evil in the world. With its blend of visceral thrills and philosophical underpinnings, “Heretic” looks set to offer viewers far more than superficial jump scares.
Heretic List of Cast Members:
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- Hugh Grant as Mr. Reed: In a dramatic departure from his usual charming roles, Grant takes on the part of the film’s sinister antagonist.
- Chloe East as Sister Paxton: Known for her work in “The Fabelmans,” East plays one of the two young missionaries trapped in Mr. Reed’s deadly game.
- Sophie Thatcher as Sister Barnes: The “Yellowjackets” star portrays the other missionary fighting for survival.
- Elle McKinnon as Sorority Girl #2: While her role is unclear, McKinnon rounds out the main cast.
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Supporting cast members include:
- Stephanie Lavigne
- Elle Young
- River Kodack as Missionary #1
- Carolyn Adair as Driver with Car
Heretic Creators Team:
At the helm of “Heretic” are the writing and directing duo of Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. These longtime collaborators have quickly made a name for themselves in the horror genre, most notably as the creators and co-writers of the hit film “A Quiet Place.” Their partnership stretches back to their college days at the University of Iowa, where they founded Bluebox Films and created award-winning student projects.
Beck and Woods have previously co-directed several features, including the sci-fi thriller “65” starring Adam Driver and the haunted house film “Haunt.” Their work often blends high-concept premises with deeply human stories, a combination that seems well-suited to the psychological complexity of “Heretic.”
Several experienced producers are joining Beck and Woods on the production side. Stacey Sher, known for her work on films like “Django Unchained,” brings her considerable expertise to the project. The directing duo also serves as producers alongside Julia Glausi, Jeanette Volturno, Liliane Bedford, Kai Raka, and Katie Aquino.
Behind the camera, “Heretic” boasts the talents of cinematographer Chung Chung-hoon, whose credits include visually striking films like “Oldboy” and “The Handmaiden.” Editor Justin Li will craft the film’s suspenseful pacing, while composer Chris Bacon, who previously worked with Beck and Woods on “65,” will provide the score.
Where to Watch Heretic?
When “Heretic” premieres on November 15, 2024, it will be released exclusively in theaters. This theatrical-first approach aligns with A24’s commitment to the cinematic experience, particularly for their horror offerings, which often benefit from the immersive atmosphere of the big screen.
For those who prefer to watch at home, patience will be required. While no official streaming date has been announced, industry patterns suggest that “Heretic” could become available on digital platforms for rental or purchase approximately 45-90 days after its theatrical debut. As for subscription streaming services, A24 currently uses Max (formerly HBO Max) to stream their films. This means “Heretic” will likely land on Max sometime in early 2025, though the exact timing can vary.
Heretic Trailer Release Date:
The official trailer for “Heretic” was released by A24 on June 25, 2024, giving audiences their first honest look at the film’s unsettling atmosphere and Hugh Grant’s chilling performance. Set to the haunting strains of The Hollies “The Air That I Breathe,” the trailer expertly balances tension and intrigue, revealing just enough of the plot to hook viewers without giving away significant twists.
Opening with scenes of the missionaries facing repeated rejections, the trailer shifts gears dramatically once they enter Mr. Reed’s home. Quick cuts and disorienting camera angles heighten the sense of claustrophobia as the young women realize their danger. Perhaps most striking is the transformation of Hugh Grant, whose genial facade gives way to something far more sinister as the trailer progresses.
Heretic Final Words:
As the release date for “Heretic” draws near, anticipation builds for what could be one of the year’s most talked-about horror films. The combination of A24’s track record for boundary-pushing genre fare, the creative vision of Beck and Woods, and Hugh Grant’s against-type performance has created a perfect storm of intrigue among film enthusiasts.
Beyond its potential for scares, “Heretic” seems poised to spark conversations about weighty themes like the nature of belief, the psychology of manipulation, and the limits of human endurance. As audiences prepare to enter Mr. Reed’s twisted world this November, one thing seems inevitable – “Heretic” will likely leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll.